Case timetable

Decision on next phase of the investigation in light of evidence received to date

July to November 2016 (estimate)

Further investigation including further information requests

June 2016

Decision to proceed with the investigation

December 2015 to May 2016 (estimate)

Initial investigation: information gathering, including issuance of formal and informal information requests and parties’ responses. CMA analysis and review of parties’ responses to information requests. Potential state of play meetings with parties under investigation

December 2015

Investigation opened

Notes

The investigation is under Chapter I of the Competition Act 1998.

The CMA has not reached a view as to whether there is sufficient evidence of an infringement of competition law for it to issue a statement of objections to the party under investigation. Not all cases result in the CMA issuing a statement of objections.

As a result, it would not be appropriate at present to include any further estimates of the timing of any later investigative steps at this stage.